Collective Effervescence

Sociologist Émile Durkheim’s theory of collective effervescence describes an overwhelming sense of excitement, empowerment, and unity. While originally tailored to examine religious phenomena, the theory has proven remarkably powerful in explaining secular experiences, from raves and military marches to sporting events and protest crowds.

The editors and contributors to Collective Effervescence make a deep dive into new waters. They investigate solo experiences, virtual collectivities, low-intensity effervescence, and negative outcomes. Through studies of drug ceremonies, occupational subcultures, bookshops, online activities, and much more, each chapter discovers and theorizes something previously unknown. Collective Effervescence finds new potentials in a familiar theoretical resource.